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Coordinate Plane Explorer

Run the Coordinate Plane Explorer MicroSim Fullscreen

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About This MicroSim

Interactive tool for exploring points, axes, coordinates, and the four quadrants of the Cartesian coordinate system. This interactive learning tool provides direct visual feedback, enabling students to explore algebraic structures dynamically.

Iframe Embed Code

Copy this iframe to your website:

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<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/algebra-1/sims/coordinate-plane-explorer/main.html"
        height="602px" width="100%" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan

Learning Objective

Identify coordinates (x, y), understand axis orientations, and correctly classify points by quadrant.

Audience and Prerequisites

Designed for Algebra I students in grade 9. Students should have arithmetic fluency and introductory familiarity with algebraic notation.

Suggested Activity

  1. Ask students to make a prediction before interacting with controls or moving parameters.
  2. Drag coordinates to locate points in each of the four quadrants, observing the sign changes (+/-) of x and y values.
  3. Compare the visual model directly with the symbolic algebraic expression.
  4. Have students summarize their observations in a single sentence.

Assessment

Students accurately state the quadrant for given coordinate pairs and explain the signs of coordinates on each axis.

References

  1. Related Algebra I Chapter - Course explanation and background context.
  2. p5.js Reference - Official library documentation.